MCC Daily Tribune

MC Updates Alcohol and Drug Awareness Training Events 4/8/26 Brighton Campus and 4/15/26 Downtown Campus

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Understanding the Facts about Illicit Drug Use – Unintentional Overdose Deaths Related to Drug Toxicity from Xylazine, Fentanyl, Other Analogs

The Monroe County Medical Examiner's 2023 overdose report revealed 83 percent of deaths involved fentanyl, its analogs with alcohol present in 31 percent of opioid and cocaine overdose deaths. National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that while teen drug use did not increase, the drug supply has become more toxic. Findings revealed a 30% increase in Monroe County overdose deaths among disproportionately affected communities and marginalized persons. Drugs tainted with Xylazine, a potent horse tranquilizer, enhances the effect of fentanyl and other drugs increasing the risk of unintentional overdoses.

The Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Marielena Velez de Brown, following the Medical Examiner's 2023 Overdose published report commented "Each death is a tragedy and every one of these lives mattered. This crisis requires both compassion and action”.

A Call for Injury Prevention, Harm Reduction Strategies, Education, Prevention and Compassion

Dr. Velez de Brown, following the 2023 Overdose report called for increased outreach by teams providing harm reduction strategies, education and prevention using a multidisciplinary approach to decrease the stigma associated with persons with substance use disorders (SUDs). Adding fentanyl and xylazine test strips to existing Naloxone (Narcan) stations and supporting treatment and recovery programs to expand partnerships that target prevention efforts aimed at young people and disproportionately affected communities and persons identified in the 2023 report.

By fostering understanding rather than stigma , Dr. Velez de Brown observed, “we can save lives and give people the chance to recover”.

Naloxone (Narcan) Overdose Rescue Kits at MCC to Reverse an Opioid /Fentanyl Overdose - testing strips for Fentanyl and Xylazine added

MCC Public Safety, in a partnership with the Monroe County Opioid Overdose Prevention Program to protect our college community installed Naloxone (Narcan) emergency stations on all of the MCC campuses. The Emergency Stations are maintained by the Monroe County Opioid Prevention Program. Each station contains Naloxone (Narcan), in prepackaged boxes containing 2 intra-nasal spray doses that are free to anyone for use as an emergency intervention to reverse an opioid/fentanyl overdose. Instructions for use are included in each box. Posters showing how to administer Naloxone (Narcan) are located adjacent to each emergency station. Free Naloxone Training is currently available through NY State OASAS and the MCDPH Addiction Services IMPACT team as part of a commitment to injury prevention and harm reduction programs across the state and in Monroe County.

Having access to these lifesaving emergency use kits and testing supplies can protect you, your friends and loved ones from a fatal overdose of an opioid or illicit counterfeit drug containing fentanyl and other drugs. One life lost to a fatal overdose is one too many.

Fentanyl and Xylazine Testing Strips Available - Education, Prevention and Use

Each indoor Narcan station now has ` Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips for use as part of a harm reduction strategy to increase awareness of potentially fatal laced drug supplies and to reduce the stigma associated with persons with a substance use disorder (SUD). Both Xylazine and Fentanyl testing kits are meant to be used for the detection of suspicious substances found in in heroin, fentanyl and sometimes cocaine and methamphetamines.

Xylazine is not an opioid, but a deep sedative found in horse tranquilizers and/or other sedatives. It enhances the effect of illicit drug compounds, and is NOT reversed with use of Narcan.

Xylazine may cause life threatening drops in oxygen levels, increasing the risk of unintentional overdose and when injected causes skin wounds (ulcers) that won’t heal. Use of test strips and/or test results have NO guarantee that the substance being used is safe. Learn more about xylazine test strips or call 1-888-339-9964 for technical support.

Learn more about fentanyl test strips or call 888-339-9964 for additional information. Both testing strips have specific instructions for use in both English and Spanish. Most importantly, these tests DO NOT EVALUATE DRUG SAFETY OR PURITY!

Free Naloxone Training is currently available through NY State OASAS and the Monroe County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) Addiction Services IMPACT team as part of a commitment to injury prevention and harm reduction programs across the state and in Monroe County. Narcan, Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips can be ordered online by logging into the OASAS website or through the MCDPH IMPACT website .

Virtual Narcan Education through NY State OASAS

Currently, the New York State Office of Addiction and Support Services (OASAS) is sponsoring virtual training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and companion Naloxone Training, free of charge , as part of a commitment to injury prevention and harm reduction programs across the state and in Monroe County. .

Each two (2) hour session is offered with day and evening options. Upon completion of the class, each participant will receive an Overdose Rescue Kit containing Naloxone via mail. Register for virtual classes by logging into OASAS website for Naloxone (Narcan) training, free Narcan, drug testing kits (Fentanyl, Xylazine) and other supportive services offered throughout 2026. “Hope starts here” by calling the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) for additional assistance.

MCDPH Addiction Services IMPACT TEAM- Tabling Events and Training: April 8 and April 15 2026

Training is available by accessing the embedded links on the Monroe County web page. To register for a class and obtain health and harm reduction program information, call the 24/7 hotline 585-753-5300 or visit Monroe County website for grief support for substance-related loss, education, Narcan training, harm reduction and injury prevention strategies to reduce stigma associated with substance misuse.

On April 8, 2026, members of MCDPH IMPACT Team and MCC’s Monroe County partners will be available on the MCC Brighton campus to share resources, education, free Narcan, drug testing kits, and other items related to substance misuse as part of March and April’s commitment to alcohol and other drug awareness. The Wellness Fair event is sponsored by the MCC Counseling, Disability & Health and Wellness team.

On April 15, 2026 members of MCDPH IMPACT Team will return to MCC to the Downtown campus as part of a Wellness Wednesday event also sponsored by the MCC Health and Wellness team.

For more information, contact the CD&HS office at 585-292-2140 (option 3).

Follow MCC Tribune for posts on Health and Wellness, Alcohol and Other Drug initiatives (prevention, education and outreach) and upcoming events sponsored by the Health and Wellness team on MCC campuses.

Fran Hampton RN, BSN, MCC Counseling, Disability and Health Services

Sources:

Frances Hampton
Health and Wellness
04/03/2026